Donovan

After joining the team when I was 5, Gator swim has been my summer life ever since. After enjoying my first four summer seasons, I decided to start swimming for NCAP with Coach Laurel. Since then, my life has nearly revolved around swimming. However, club meets or practice never compared to the spirit and excitement I experienced with the Gators. With all the cheers, relays, and out of water activities, the Gators have made a mostly individual, demanding sport into a fun, team sport. The Gators have made swimming fun for me in all my years participating in the sport. As I have gotten older, Gator swim has taught me how to be a leader, how to coach, and has given me many opportunities to exercise these skills. As I look back on all my years as a Gator, I now see how many friends, mentors, and valuable experiences Gator swim has brought me.

I’d like to say thank you to Coaches Paul, Kelli, and Laurel, my parents, all the team reps throughout the years, and all the parent volunteers. 

Some of my favorite memories:

• Breaking the 11-12 50 Free NVSL Record 

• Playing much too aggressive water polo during practices

• Listening to Coach Paul talk about cycling (especially the Tour De France), Vegan Foods, and making fun of other sports

• Getting first at All Star Relays for the 11-12 100 freestyle relay with Alex, Matthew, and Jack Dupuis then afterwards receiving the SwimNinja Golden cap and being interviewed. 

Next year I will be attending Syracuse University for Mechanical Engineering.